Merlot

As with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot is used as blending agent in the "Super Tuscan" style wines out of Italy and also in some modern Chianti's. Merlot has been used for hundreds of years because of it easy-drinking 'calming' quality. The grape itself buds, flowers, and ripens early. Because of this, Merlot has a full body with lots of bright, black fruit, and aromas and flavors of chocolate and violet - similar to Cabernet Sauvignon.

Merlot is great with all tomato based pasta dishes, heavy seafood's like salmon, and smoked meats.